Book description
A revelatory journey from the tin mines of Cornwall to the gold mountains of Georgia in search of the substances which have both shaped our imagination and imperilled our very existence.The discovery of minerals beneath our feet has transformed our species. Ochre first prompted humans to express themselves in art; tin and copper helped instigate the Bronze Age and later the Industrial Revolution; silver kick-started the engines of global trade. Each of these substances generated a leap forward in technology, each one opened the imagination a little further - and each one brought with it a cache of unexpected dangers.Under A Metal Sky begins and ends in Philip Marsden's homeland of Cornwall, one of the world's great geological hotspots. Travelling eastwards into Europe, he examines how the extraction of peat propelled the Netherlands to world prominence but also imperilled its very existence. Continuing on up the Rhine by barge, into the heart of the continent, he uncovers more stories of potent and tempting resources, from iron-rich meteorites to radium and mercury, and the gold-bearing mountains of Georgia. At the same time he explores precious seams of ideas, from science to alchemy, mysticism to ecology - and those questing souls who pursued them, like Paracelsus, the Habsburg Emperor Rudolf II, Goethe, William Blake and Marie Curie.Rich with revelations, Under A Metal Sky traces the dazzling achievements and dark consequences of our ability to extract what we want from the earth, and presents a fascinating new perspective on European history and on our troubled relationship with the natural world.
Shy Warrior
ListenBook's commitment to a seamless user experience is evident in its sleek design and intuitive controls. I love how ListenBook makes it easy to organize my audiobook library. The app supports all formats, and the import process is a breeze. The playback controls are responsive, and the sound quality is excellent. Highly recommend!
VPR
Audiobooks on this app have transformed my daily routines into engaging experiences. I can't get enough of this app's intuitive design – it's like a personal library right at my fingertips. This was my first audiobook in this genre and I'm hooked! The performance brought the story to life in a way reading never could. Already downloaded another by the same narrator.
Tomcat
The convenience of downloading audiobooks for offline listening is a game-changer. I'm hooked on this app's ability to transform my ordinary moments into exciting opportunities for learning. Downloading audio from network devices is a brilliant feature. It's incredibly convenient.
Grinch Cheese
With ListenBook, every moment is an opportunity to explore new stories and gain knowledge. I love the chapter navigation feature. ListenBook makes it easy to jump between sections.
Dahlia Bumble
I'm grateful for this app, as it allows me to keep up with my reading even while multitasking. 🛌 Drifting into dreamland with enchanting audiobooks – bedtime has become a gateway to imagination. 🌙📚 CUE playlist support is a thoughtful feature that keeps my audiobook listening organized and enjoyable. ListenBook has revolutionized how I consume content. It's like having a personal library in my pocket. The narrator's voice was so pleasant and easy to listen to. They had perfect pacing and made even the slower parts engaging. I found myself looking forward to my commute just to listen more!
LyRz
I'm impressed by ListenBook's dedication to providing a comfortable listening experience. 🎉 Adding a touch of magic to mundane tasks – this app turns errands into epic quests! 🛒📖 📚 Ironing has become a joy with audiobooks – wrinkles are no match for these captivating stories! 👗🎧 The app is very user-friendly. ListenBook makes listening to audiobooks a breeze.
Moon Laser
My productivity has soared since I started using ListenBook for my study materials. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction makes sure that background distractions don't interfere with my listening. The playback speed control is a game-changer. ListenBook lets me listen at my own pace. The app is so well-designed. It’s clear the developers put a lot of thought into it. I love the ability to change the playback speed. It’s perfect for my needs.
Washer
Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop and Sharing on ListenBook Pro is a feature I can't live without. Audiobooks have become my travel companions, and this app is my guide. 🎶📚 Replacing tunes with stories – my house is alive with the sound of narration! 🎧🏠 ListenBook's compatibility with a wide range of audio formats ensures that no audiobook is off-limits. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature enhances my immersion in every audiobook, regardless of surroundings.
Highway
I love that ListenBook offers both basic and advanced features, catering to all types of users. With this app, every moment is an opportunity to dive into a new story. ListenBook’s interface is clean and intuitive. It’s a joy to use.
ForumFusion
ListenBook has completely changed my audiobook experience – it's like having a personal audio library. ListenBook's Pro version is worth every penny. The noise reduction feature makes even noisy environments an ideal place for immersive listening.
Sky Trinity
The sheer variety of genres available ensures there's something for everyone. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature is like a magic wand, transforming noisy environments into serene listening spaces. ListenBook's attention to detail is commendable. Every aspect of the app is well-crafted. I love how I can adjust the skip intervals. It’s perfect for my listening style.
RedFisher
The auto-rewind feature after interruptions is a small thing that makes a big difference. AirDrop sharing makes it easy to share audiobooks. Great feature! I’ve been using ListenBook for months, and it’s been a fantastic experience. The app is lightweight, doesn’t drain my battery, and works perfectly in the background. The equalizer and voice boost features are amazing. Highly recommend!
Dance Cannon
The diverse selection of audiobooks has made me fall in love with storytelling all over again. This app has turned my household chores into moments of intellectual growth. The playback speed control is a game-changer. ListenBook lets me listen at my own pace.
Parallax Sugar
💃 Dancing to the rhythm of stories while I dance through house chores – pure joy! 💃📖 ListenBook's controls for looping and shuffling playback have made studying and revisiting content a breeze. ListenBook's compatibility with CarPlay and Apple Watch has made audiobook listening a part of my daily routine.
Rosie Bird
ListenBook's dedication to delivering a top-notch experience is evident in every detail. Tone adjustment is such an innovative feature. It adds a personal touch to narration.
Chameleon
This app has made my downtime so much more productive and enjoyable. 🏃♀️📖 Running with purpose – this app keeps my mind engaged as I conquer my fitness goals! 🏃♀️📚 Listening stats keep me motivated to read more. Great addition! The detailed listening stats are fantastic. Helps me keep track of my progress.
Runway Darling
🚗 Turning road trips into unforgettable adventures – audiobooks keep me entertained on the journey! 🚗📖 Bravo to the creators of this app – they've truly captured the essence of convenient audiobook enjoyment. The smooth playback and thoughtful design have won me over. 📚👏 I've recommended ListenBook to all my fellow bookworms. It's a true companion for audiobook lovers. The interface is sleek and modern. It's a pleasure to navigate and use the app.
Po1son
Thanks for making my daily commute to work enjoyable and engaging! ListenBook's versatile controls and playback options have made my study sessions more productive and enjoyable. ListenBook Pro's unlimited audiobook length is a boon for those who enjoy deep dives into lengthy narratives. I've recommended this app to all my fellow audiobook enthusiasts. It's a game-changer! The app is perfect for long commutes. It keeps me entertained for hours.
Sugar Man
🧘♂️ Finding zen in the art of listening – this app takes mindfulness to a new level! 🧘♂️🎧 Looping playback of a single track helps me master difficult concepts. So helpful! Adjusting playback speed has given me greater control over my audiobook experience. I can optimize my learning and enjoyment by customizing the pacing. ListenBook is the best audiobook player I’ve ever used. The app is reliable, fast, and packed with features like customizable themes and playback speed. The sleep timer is a lifesaver for bedtime listening. Great job, developers!
Homerun Diva
I've never been so entertained while doing household chores – this app is a lifesaver! This app's support for various formats ensures that I can enjoy my audiobooks without any hassle. ListenBook's user-friendly interface and quick controls make it my preferred choice for audiobook enjoyment. I'm amazed by the app's versatility in downloading audio. It accommodates various sources seamlessly.
Playing a wide variety of audio formats
Works on all devices with iOS 13 and newer
Huge amount of features for a small price
Frequent updates to add new features and improve existing ones
Advanced playback controls
Live sound processing
Changing the timbre of the reader's voice and noise reduction
Translated into more than 20 languages
If you love listening to fiction audiobooks, ListenBook has features to make the process easier.
Edit book data: title, author, cover
Use equalizer to make the sound comfortable for you
Adjust the playback speed
Enjoy dark and light app themes
Supported formats: MP3, M4B, AWB, FLAC, OGG audio files and many more (must be DRM free)
Auto-Bookmarks make it easy to find your place
AirPlay support allows redirection of audio output.
VoiceOver support
Dark mode for night owls
Convenient bookmarking system helps you mark the most important places.
Unlimited bookmarks for each audiobook
Put your own cover on the wager
Share your audiobook with friends
Lock-screen control
Customise app with extensive options
Sleep timer with shake to reset, set custom notification sounds, and a few unique options
Auto rewind depending on paused time, customize rewind times to your liking
Removing background noise from recordings made in classrooms and meetings
Changing the timbre of the reader's voice for a better listening experience